The next era of audio will be defined by creator-led storytelling, platform innovation, and deeper audience connection.
The 2026 IAB Podcast Upfront brings together the platforms, publishers, creators, and technology partners shaping the future of podcasting and digital audio. Join industry leaders in New York City for an exclusive first look at the content, partnerships, and innovations defining the year ahead.
As audiences increasingly turn to creators for connection and authenticity, audio platforms are powering creator storytelling at scale—unlocking new opportunities for brands to engage communities, drive outcomes, and participate in culture through the intimacy of sound. From emerging talent and premium content to advancements in video podcasts, measurement, and distribution, discover how audio continues to evolve into one of the most trusted, engaging, and measurable channels in the media mix.
Why Attend
- Preview What’s Next: Get a first look at upcoming content, talent, and marketplace opportunities from leading podcast publishers and audio platforms.
- Explore Industry Innovation: Discover how video podcasts, creator partnerships, AI, and new measurement capabilities are reshaping the audio landscape.
- Connect with Industry Leaders: Hear directly from the companies and visionaries redefining how brands engage audiences through premium audio experiences.
- Unlock New Opportunities: Learn how creator-led storytelling and platform innovation are creating new ways for brands to drive relevance, attention, and business impact.
This event is invite-only for qualified brand marketers and agency professionals. IAB reserves the right to cancel any registrations that do not meet these criteria.
Agenda
Agenda
Speakers & Moderators
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The Sklar Brothers
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 2:05 PM -
Matthew Berry
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 12:55 PM -
Jason Adamski
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 10:35 AMWednesday, Sep 16 – 4:10 PM -
Bryson Barnes
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:00 AM -
Peter Bukowski
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:40 AM -
Stephanie Chan
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:40 PM -
David Cohen
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 10:30 AM -
Scott Davis
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 10:50 AM -
Andrew Deckard
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:15 PM -
Matt Drengler
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:25 AM -
Henry Ettinger
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:50 AM -
Lainie Fertick
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 3:05 PM -
Jamie Finstein
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:40 PM -
Cintia Gabilan
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:00 AM -
Alan Goffinski
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:15 PM -
Bryan Goldmark
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:40 AM -
Billy Hartman
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:00 AM -
Jeffrey Hayzlett
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 3:25 PM -
Kevin Jones
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:50 AM -
Brett Joss
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:40 PM -
Jared Lapin
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:30 PM -
Megan Lazovick
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:30 PM -
Katherine Maher
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 10:50 AM -
Lulu Miller
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:15 PM -
Latif Nasser
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Chris Petersen
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 3:40 PM -
Jeremy Price
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 3:40 PM -
Leah Reis-Dennis
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 12:55 PM -
Steve Smith Sr.
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:50 AM -
James Vakula
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:00 AM -
Cam Weber
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 11:25 AM -
Tom Webster
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 4:00 PM -
Kelsey Woo
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 1:40 PM -
Nadine Zylstra
Agenda Sessions
Wednesday, Sep 16 – 10:50 AM
The Venue
Located in Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood, Convene 360 Madison Avenue is easily accessible via public transportation and is in close proximity to Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center.
Please note there are multiple Convene properties in NYC.
Convene 360 Madison Avenue
360 Madison Avenue // Midtown East, New York
New York, New York 10017
FAQ
Managing Your IAB.COM Account
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Q. Do I need an IAB.com account to register for IAB events?
Yes. An IAB.com account is required to register for all events. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by following the instructions here: Unlock a World of Opportunities by Creating an IAB Account.
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Q. How do I access my IAB account or reset my password?
Check that you have an account on IAB.com. Enter your business email and password into the Log In screen. If you do not have an IAB.com account associated with your business email, you will be prompted to create one. Note: You MUST include your professional work email to receive IAB member benefits.
For instructions on creating your account and resetting your password, please visit: Unlock a World of Opportunities by Creating your Personal IAB Account.
If you enter an incorrect password, you will receive an error: ‘Invalid Password, Try Again or Reset Password’. Use the ‘Don’t Remember your Password’ link to trigger a reset or use the passwordless login link on the Log In screen.
You will receive a verification email once your IAB.com account has been created. Click the link once to verify your email. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder, as our emails can sometimes end up there.
Still have questions? Contact [email protected].
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Q. How do I confirm if I have an IAB.com account?
Try logging in using the email you registered with. If no account is found, you can create one with your company email.
Registration Issues
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Q. I am seeing the wrong ticket type (member vs non-member)
Email your company’s MED contact or [email protected] for assistance.
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Q. I’m having trouble with my comp/discount code.
Some codes only apply to specific ticket types or offer a partial discount. If you’re unsure, please confirm with the code owner. If the code is correct and still not working, try the troubleshooting steps below.
- Make sure you are logged into your IAB account.
- Open the registration page in incognito/private mode.
- Clear your browser cache.
- Refresh the page.
- Enter the code manually (do not copy and paste).
- Ensure there are no spaces in the code.
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Q. Why can’t I find my country in the registration dropdown?
If you are located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, you cannot register to attend this event through our website. However, your company may inquire with us to determine if it is entitled to request tickets to attend the event by contacting [email protected].
All attendees agree to comply with the IAB’s Event Code of Conduct and Policies.
Registering Someone Else
We encourage attendees to register using their own IAB.com account. If that’s not possible, please see below.
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Q. How can I register a colleague if my information is already filled in?
Our registration policy requires that at least one ticket must be registered under the account owner’s name. We recommend registering colleagues under their own accounts so they receive event updates and a smoother experience.
If that isn’t possible, you may register all tickets under your account—assign the first pass to yourself and the rest to colleagues. After completing registration, email [email protected] the name, title, company, and email address of the colleague you’d like to assign your pass to, and we’ll update it for you.
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Q. Can I transfer my ticket to another colleague?
Paid and sponsor tickets can be transferred to a colleague. Invite-only or pass request tickets are non-transferable, as they are reviewed and assigned individually.
Buyer Registration/Pass Requests
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Q. Am I eligible for a complimentary buyer ticket to an IAB Event?
Eligibility criteria varies by event. Please refer to the specific event website for details on eligibility.
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Q. What is the status of my pass request?
Please allow 3–5 business days for our team to review your submission. We recommend checking your spam or junk folder, as you may find your status update there. If you have not received a response after that time, please reach out to [email protected].
If you believe your request was incorrectly evaluated, you may email us with additional details about your role and company, and we will reassess.
Post-Registration
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Q. I haven't received my confirmation email.
Your confirmation email was sent from [email protected]. Please allow up to 30 minutes for it to arrive.
If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder. Still missing? Email [email protected] and we’ll resend it.
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Q. How can I get a copy of my invoice or receipt?
Please email [email protected], and our team will provide it for you.
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Q. What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Registration fees, minus a $100 processing fee, are refundable until approximately one month before the event (see your confirmation email for the exact date).
After that date: Refunds are not available. Registrations may be transferred to colleagues.
To cancel or transfer a registration, email [email protected].
HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
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Q. What are IAB’s health and safety requirements?
IAB does not require proof of vaccination to attend our events. We strongly recommend that in-person attendees stay home if they are symptomatic.
- Review IAB’s Event and COVID-19 Policy and Code of Conduct for more information.
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
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Q. What’s the Wi-Fi information?
- Network: IABPodcast26
- Password: Listen26
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Q. Where are the sessions located?
The main stage is located on the 5th floor in the French Forum, across from Registration.
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Q. Where can I charge my phone or laptop?
Power outlets are available within the Gallery Space on the 4th floor.
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Q. Will the event be streamed?
Yes, for attendees who registered for a virtual ticket. Please check your tune-in or confirmation email for access instructions.
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Q. Will sessions be available on demand (VOD)?
Approved sessions will be available on demand for registered attendees after the event.
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Q. Can I get a printed agenda?
No. In an effort to be more sustainable, printed agendas will not be provided. Please download the IAB Events app to view the agenda.
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Q. How do I provide feedback?
We encourage you to rate sessions within the IAB Events app. A post-event survey will also be sent to attendees for additional feedback.
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Q. How can I get copies of the presentations?
Presentation decks are not distributed. Approved main-stage session recordings will be made available on iab.com after the event.
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Q. Do you provide an attendee list?
A downloadable attendee list is not provided. Please visit the Attendees section in the IAB Events app to learn more about fellow attendees.
- If you do not see the attendee list, first confirm that you are logged in to your IAB.com account.
- If you are still having issues, email [email protected].
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Q. Where can I take a meeting or quick call?
Morgan Forum on the 4th floor is available as a quieter space for meetings or calls.
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Q. What is the Partner Pod?
Participating Presenting Partners will be available for meetings in the Villard Studio Room on the 4th floor.
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Q. How do I connect with Presenting Partners who are not in the Partner Pod?
Use the IAB Events mobile app to connect directly with Presenting Partners attending Podcast Upfront 2026.
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Q. What accessibility accommodations are available at your event?
We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all attendees. Please provide advance notice to ensure accommodations can be arranged. For additional accessibility questions, contact [email protected].
LIVESTREAM SUPPORT
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Q. Do I need to log in to view the livestream?
Yes. An IAB username and a confirmed event registration are required to view the livestream. Please use the same email address/username you used to reserve your digital ticket.
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Q. What is my username for IAB.com?
If you have not logged in since December 2023, you may need to create a new username. Use the same email address you used when registering so your event access can be recognized.
- If you have logged in recently but do not remember your credentials, use the password reset option from the log-in icon in the upper-right corner of IAB.com.
- If a valid username exists for that email, you will receive a password reset link.
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Q. Why can’t I see the livestream video?
Confirm that you are logged in with the same IAB.com account/email used to register for the event. If you used a different account, contact [email protected] for assistance.
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Q. Why can’t I hear the livestream?
The livestream may be muted by default. Please turn on the video player sound and confirm your device volume is enabled.
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Q. I’m receiving a different livestream error. What should I do?
Please contact [email protected] for further assistance.
VENUE & TRAVEL
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Q. Where is the event located?
Convene, 360 Madison Avenue, New York, NY.
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Q. Are there specific arrival instructions?
- The building entrance is on 45th Street.
- Upon entering the lobby, the security desk will ask for your name and photo ID before you proceed to the 5th floor.
- Attendees will pick up their badges at the registration desk on the 5th floor.
- A photo ID is required to access the venue.
- Directions and recommended hotels here.
REGISTRATION & ACCESS
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Q. What policies do attendees need to follow?
All attendees are required to comply with IAB’s Event and COVID-19 Policy and Code of Conduct.
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Q. Can you resend my event confirmation or receipt?
Yes. Please email [email protected]
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Q. When and where can I pick up my badge?
Badge pickup will take place at the onsite registration desk on the 5th floor. Please have a photo ID available.
- 2026 badge pickup date: September 16, 2026
- 2026 badge pickup start time: Starting at 9:30am
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Q. Do you provide coat check?
Yes, coat check is provided.
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Q. What do I need to do to attend Podcast Upfront 2026?
- Make sure you are registered as an eligible attendee (qualified buyer or sponsor).
- If you did not receive a confirmation email, contact [email protected].
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Q. Do I need an IAB.com account to register?
Yes. An IAB.com account is required to register.
- If you do not have an account, click the log-in icon in the upper-right corner of IAB.com and follow the directions to create one.
- Use the same email address for your account and event registration.
- More information on how to create an account can be found here.
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Q. How do I confirm whether I have an IAB.com account?
Try logging in with the email address you used to register for the event. If an account is not found, create an account using that same email address.
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Q. How can I reset my IAB.com password?
Click the log-in icon on IAB.com and select the password reset option.
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Q. I can no longer attend Podcast Upfront 2026. What are my options?
Please review the cancellation policy in your confirmation email and IAB’s Event and COVID-19 Policy and Code of Conduct.
- You may be able to transfer your ticket to a colleague from your organization.
- If available for your registration type, you may also request a change to a virtual pass.
- Contact [email protected] for support.
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Q. I am interested in sponsoring Podcast Upfront 2026. Who do I contact?
Email [email protected]
Contact Us
IAB Events & Conferences
Technical support (IAB account, login issues, mobile app): [email protected]
Free buyer pass requests: [email protected]
Sponsorship opportunities: [email protected]
Speaking opportunities: [email protected]
Event support (cancellations, transfers, refunds): [email protected]
For event details, check out the event-specific website.
Other
Membership: [email protected]
Media: [email protected]
Training: [email protected]
Certification: [email protected]
IAB+: [email protected]
IAB Tech Lab
General IAB Tech Lab questions: [email protected]
IAB Tech Lab sponsorship: [email protected]
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Q. Still have a question?
Please contact [email protected] and the IAB Events team will be happy to help.
